Popular restaurant re-opens after fire

THE MID-Brae Inn is due to re-open again this weekend, 18 months after a fire ripped through the popular eatery in Shetland’s north mainland.

The blaze on 28 April last year, caused by an electrical fault in a gas boiler, completely destroyed the restaurant’s kitchen and smoke damaged the building’s bar and lounge area.

While owner Diane Davies and her staff managed to clean and re-open the bar by late July that same year, the complete refurbishment of the restaurant, including the kitchen however took much longer.

Protracted discussions with the Mid Brae Inn’s insurance firm added further to the time it took for the company to get back on its feet.

A relieved Davies said on Friday that she was very much looking forward to have the restaurant open again.

“We are delighted that we have got to this stage now. The insurance company dragged their heels a bit, and it took a long time to get things to where we are” she said.

The majority of the work was carried out by Northmavine builders Raymond and Magni Johnson, who are employed by St Magnus Bay Hotel.

Owner Andrea Manson said employing their own staff to do the work was the only way thet could afford to rebuild the restaurant with the money received from the insurance.

Guests are invited for the official opening on Friday night, to be followed by an open night on Saturday. Normal opening hours will resume as of Monday.